Breed and function
Of course, we could talk endlessly about this fantastic breed. On this page, you will find more information about the history and use of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.
Click here for the BREED STANDARD
History of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
In 1675, the young Louis Le Dauphin visited the French Pyrenees with his governess, Madame de Maintenon. There they saw impressive, large dogs with thick, mainly white coats. These dogs protected flocks from wolves and bears. They were so impressed that they took one back to the court of Louis’s father, King Louis XIV, in Versailles.
The breed quickly became popular at court and among the nobility. The Pyrenean mountain dog was even given the title “Royal Dog of France”. And that was just the beginning of its fame. In 1850, Queen Victoria of Great Britain also had a Pyrenean mountain dog. And in 1965, the breed stole the hearts of many in the television series Belle and Sebastian, which was later remade for the cinema in the 2010s and 2020s.
But the history of this breed goes back much further. In the 14th century, Gaston Fébus, Count of Foix, described a large, long-haired white dog that protected herds. The breed probably descends from guard dogs that protected herds in Asia Minor some ten thousand years ago.
It is believed that centuries ago, herd-protecting dogs roamed the Pyrenees, eventually giving rise to three breeds. In Spain, the Spanish Mastiff and the Pyrenean Mastiff, and in France, the Pyrenean mountain dog. Initially simply called: Pyrenean dog – Chien des Pyrénées.
Pyrenean mountain dogs have also contributed to the development of breeds such as the Newfoundland and the Leonberger.
In 1897, the breed was included in Count von Bylandt’s pedigree dog book. And in 1923, on the initiative of Mr Sénac-Lagrange, the first official breed standard was established when the Réunion des Amateurs de Chiens Pyrénéens (RACP) was founded. That breed standard has hardly changed since then – only a few details have been modified. The RACP still exists today and remains the parent association for all other breed clubs for the Pyrenean mountain dog. (And also for the Pyrenean shepherd dog.)
The Patou
He was once crowned Royal Dog of France. But the real honorary title for this breed is and remains “Patou”, derived from the Old French word pastre, which means “shepherd”.
The Patou is an impressive sight: large, white, with a soft, dreamy look that we also call the “Pyrenean expression”. For centuries, it has been used to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and bears, but also from stray dogs and thieves. In the past, it wore a collar with spikes on the outside to protect it from biting attackers.
What makes the Patou so special is its calm demeanour. It is alert and independent, and does not attack without reason. Instead, it positions itself between its flock and the danger, makes noise and tries to scare off the threat with its impressive presence. Only when there is truly no other option, and the danger is approaching rather than receding, does he use his body and teeth to protect what is dear to him.
Although he is gentle and calm – sometimes almost lazy – there is a powerful and courageous character in this dog. That switch from cuddly bear to protector is impressive to see. Thanks to his intelligence and sensitivity, he is good at assessing situations and knows exactly what is needed and what is not. And then he is a gentle charmer.
From livestock guardian to family dog
With the disappearance of predators and its spread across the world, the Pyrenean mountain dog has increasingly become a true family dog. Breeders have started to select for a slightly milder temperament in some lines – more suited to life in modern society. Nevertheless, the core of its personality has been preserved: even dogs from so-called family lines can still be used for their original task.
Now that the wolf is returning to various parts of Europe, the Patou is once again being used on a larger scale as a herd protector – even outside France.
Is the Pyrenean Mountain Dog the dog for you?
“…gentle authority ….”
The Pyrenean mountain dog is naturally reserved towards strangers, but gentle and loyal to its own family. It develops a deep bond with its humans. At the same time, it is headstrong and stubborn – a trait that lovers of the breed adore and can handle.
This dog requires training with lots of love, patience and – not unimportantly – humour. It cannot be trained like many other breeds. Coercion is counterproductive and undermines trust. So don’t expect blind obedience. A gentle authority figure is what it needs to reach its full potential.
Commands seem strange to him. The Pyrenean mountain dog learns mainly through body language, emotion and the relationship you build with him. If that is good, you can easily train him to be a dog that behaves well in the family and in society.
His independence makes him unique: he is bred to make his own decisions and be completely dedicated to his task. That is why it is important to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. A breeder who is happy to get to know you and who critically assesses the right match between dog and owner. A careful step towards a happy, healthy future for both dog and human.
The Pyrenean mountain dog will instinctively explore its surroundings. To ensure a Patou stays within its own territory, it is recommended to install a solid, 1.8-meter-high fence that also prevents digging underneath.
